With hot weather plus rain every couple of days, our weeds are having a field day. We’ve been working hard to keep them under control. I’ve been running the smaller rototiller through the corn and between some squash while Will’s been busy tilling and mulching in other spots like the tomatoes and bean rows.
He discovered a neat way to mulch faster, using our 2-year-old big round bales. He takes the strings off while it’s on the tractor forks. Then, he sets it down near where he plans on mulching. He uses our chainsaw to cut fairly shallowly across the bale on each side. That lets him lift a big mat of hay off the bale, which is easily carried to the spot he wants to cover. In some areas, the rows are far enough apart that he can unroll the bale down the row. That’s really cool. At first, he uses the small Kubota to push it, as it is heavy. Then, when it’s lighter, he can shove it right down the roll, making a nice carpet of packed hay. I’m really excited as it speeds up mulching a whole lot, so we can mulch more plants.
We took yesterday off to drive down to Hinckley to watch our granddaughter, Ava, show her horse in a Tennessee Walking Horse show. It was hot but the show went on. Luckily, it was indoors, which helped a lot. She did very well, ending up the day with a reserve grand champion win. We’re so proud of all the work she’s done to get this far. Horses are so good for kids.
— Jackie
Clever idea for the hay rolling technique for weeds!
Horses are good for kids. We love watching all the horse movies on TV. Most are lovely family movies of working together.
Congratulations Ava!!! That is a great idea you and Will have for mulching. The weeds are on overdrive in my garden this year. Some years just seem to go that way, lol. Sending prayers for a blessed week.
Thanks again for your prayers. Yep, our weeds are trying to beat us and if it doesn’t stop raining they may win! No, not really. We just keep fighting them.
I know what you mean about weeds. I spend a couple hours a day early or late when it’s cooler in green house or hoop houses. Our weather has been bouncing here in Copper Basin Alaska. Last week we had one day with a high of 80 and the next day 56! I should probably try and till between potato rows, don’t know if I can do it or not. One of my sons did the initial tillage but he has to work this week, 7 12’s.
The “honest farmer” an Oregon jersey cow dairy farmer has had Facebook reels of his daughter and her horse competition!
Our weather’s been crazy too. On Sunday, it was 88 degrees F and today, it’s 55 out and raining. The rain has been our struggle lately, as we just can’t work in the gardens when it’s pouring. Ugh. Such crazy weather!!
Congrats Ava – her hard work paid off.
We’ve found out that it certainly does! Now she’s learning that too.
Ava looked so happy and confident. Yes, horses are good for kids. And Will, so smart too. I think this is the first picture that shows most of his face. Normally, he is inside, beside, outside, on top of, or under, a piece of equipment. LOL. Stay strong, we have another month and more of canning to do. And here is southern middle Tennessee today, it was 105 heat index!
Whew, and we thought it was hot at 88! I had to laugh at your comment about seeing all of Will’s face. Thinking back, I’m seeing you’re probably right. : )
Way to go Ava, you look so elegant on your horse. Will your so smart. This is a genius idea for use of old hay.
He’s always figuring out something, whether it’s repairing equipment or finding easier ways to do something. Hooray Will!
Will that is brilliant!! Makes me think about planting rows far enough apart to do just this!
It works so well. Not only is it easier to mulch but the mats of hay are packed tighter so the weeds can’t poke up through it.
Good for Ava!
We’re so proud of her. She’s a hard worker and keeps getting better and better with her riding.
Congratulations Ava! WELL DONE! Love how Will is doing this mulching. Sure makes the gardens look neat and clean Nice having rain , enough to encourage the garden but not wash it out.Hard work surely shows around your farm. Bless you for sharing your lifestyle and expertise.
|Thanks, Mary. I wish we had less rain, now. It’s pouring so much we can’t work in the garden and I think I hear the weeds laughing at us. We’re so proud of Ava’s hard work and wins at the show.
Congratulations to Ava! She has a beautiful horse. And Congrats to Will and you for your ‘work smarter not harder’ ideas on how to mulch! It’s great that you have your own hay. In Nebraska most of the hay has been sprayed with long acting herbicides, so it can’t be used for mulch. Even manure from cattle that has eaten hay that has been sprayed will kill your garden. Sadly, I learned this the hard way.
We’ve had a few of the Morovsky Div tomatoes, they sure are good!
Yep, spraying chemicals on hay sure sucks. When folks use it for mulch or use the manure from animals which have eaten it, it kills or severely damages garden crops, often for years! I absolutely hate that!!
Ava looks so professional on her horse!! Congratulations to her for winning the reserve grand champion. I really like your idea of mulching with the hay. That has to save you so much time!!
We think Ava looks very professional too. We’re so proud of all the work she’s put in to get to this point.
I’m amazed at our new way of mulching. You can bet next year, I’ll be making all the rows wider so we can mulch everything this way!
Congratulations to Ava. What a great idea for the straw bale being cut down. My friend has some round bales she wants to get rid of. Might need to get one from her.
congratulations to Ava. Quite an accomplishment!
We think so too. Such a nice win!
Congratulations to Ava! And, as usual, Will comes up with a time-saving, money-saving solution to allow better use of your resources. It is amazing to watch you both. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
We’re so proud of Ava!! We are always looking for ways to save work, time and money around here. That way you can do more with less pain and struggle.